Monday 7th July 2014

LM Classic 2014: Time For Tea?

Couldn't make it to La Sarthe this weekend? See the best bits here

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The video below isn't a minute-by-minute account of everything that happened at the 2014 Le Mans Classic. Rather it's a round up of everything that comprises the event, from the racing to the classic car clubs to the shopping. If you want an authentic taste of the competition, see this onboard from a Porsche 906 at the last Classic.

Done? Excellent, then we can continue with this year's event. Very early on there's a clue as to the kind of characters you find over the weekend; could Yves Henri Menuteau look any more like a French racing driver?

Anyway, the video perfectly captures the enthusiasm of everyone in attendance, particularly this year battling through some atrocious conditions. In all 8,500 classic car owners made the journey and the grids typically contained 75 cars each. It really is an absolute treat for classic fans, and you may just spot some handy Harris wheelwork a couple of minutes in. With two years until the next one, we're counting down the days.

Watch the video here.

 

[dinkel]

Fantastic.

[BIRMA]

Fantastic classic cars on display, the Ferrari stand had me speechless, Fridays qualifying was the highlight, particularly the yellow GT40's 'moment' at the chicane before the start/finish straight that was worth the ticket price alone. Food on site was not very good as usual and the beer at 6.5 Euros was too dear. Still think it's the best older car event going, apart from it raining every time I've been.

[DonkeyApple]

I went for the first time 2 years ago after giving up in normal Le Mans. I really enjoyed it. A great event.

[jmini23]

Just got back late last night - one of the best motor sport events in the world right now, refreshingly accessible, emotionally the old cars are much more excitinging to watch and the paddock display areas remind me of how the Goodwood festival of speed used to be before it became too popular.
Camping at the Chateau de Chanteloup highly recommended despite the rain..
Being 5ft away from Emerson Fittipaldi about to race was really special.

[oldtimer2]

That looks like a great event.

[markcoopers]

We got back last night, some 965miles all in, 2 up in a Morgan Aero 8……just epic. We blagged our way into the Pits for the 1st race of the grid 6 race watching the Porshers and Lolas having their tyres and driver changed, and then managed to stand on the pit wall to watch much of the race. Happy days.

[sjc]

jmini23 said:

Just got back late last night - one of the best motor sport events in the world right now, refreshingly accessible, emotionally the old cars are much more excitinging to watch and the paddock display areas remind me of how the Goodwood festival of speed used to be before it became too popular.

Our party of 18 would agree with every single word of that.

[Digga]

Appalling voiceover for some lovely footage; sounded like calling an overseas bank call centre on a duff cordless 'phone.

[BIRMA]

Digga said:

Appalling voiceover for some lovely footage; sounded like calling an overseas bank call centre on a duff cordless 'phone.

And it was too bloody loud, but at least the cars drowned it out most of the time

[urquattro]

BIRMA said:

Digga said:

Appalling voiceover for some lovely footage; sounded like calling an overseas bank call centre on a duff cordless 'phone.

And it was too bloody loud, but at least the cars drowned it out most of the time

Agree, verbal diaherroa from a rambling, sonic voiced french person for 23.9 hours.
Liked it when David Hart from Holland (what a driver) chose not to be interviewed in French........!! tasteful.

[dinkel]

urquattro said:

Liked it when David Hart from Holland (what a driver) chose not to be interviewed in French........!! tasteful.

David has some tasty motors.


His Cobra is a Spa6 regular.